Pregnancy is not an absolute contraindication to colonoscopy. Some studies have shown that colonoscopy during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight fetuses, but does not increase the risk of fetal malformation or stillbirth, meaning that colonoscopy will not have a fatal impact on the life of the fetus; and studies have shown that sigmoidoscopy is safer than full colonoscopy.
Therefore, if a pregnant woman’s condition is very urgent, the doctor needs to fully assess the mother’s physical condition and symptoms, and if the situation allows, request a gastroenterology and obstetrics and gynaecology consultation to fully assess the mother’s condition and the condition of the foetus, and after full communication with the pregnant woman’s family, choose the appropriate modality and timing for the examination.
It is also important to note that benzodiazepines should be avoided when performing colonoscopies.